Mining apparatus



May 26, 1936.

M. P. HolfMEs MINING APPARATUS Filed June 9, 1931 4 sheets-sheet 1 OOO May 26, 1936. M R HQLMES 2,041,714

MINING APPARATUS May 26, 1936. M. P. HcLMEs MINING APPARATUS Fild June 9, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3` yM. P. HoLMEs t 2,041,714

MINING APPARATUS A Filed June 9, 1951 4 sheets-sheet 4 Patented May 26, 1936 NITED STATES lVIININGr APPARATUS Morris P. Holmes, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application llune 9, 1931, Serial No. 543,145

28 Claims.

This invention relates to mining apparatus and more particularly to coal mining apparatus of the shear cutterv type adapted to cut vertical kerfs in the coal.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus. Another object is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the shear cutter type adapted to cut vertical kerfs in the coal. A further object is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the wheel mounted, track cutting type adapted to insert vertical or shear cuts in the coal. Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved track cutting mining machine having improved kerf cutting mechanism and improved means for operating and guiding the kerf cutting mechanism during the cutting operation and for propelling the machine about the mine. Yet another object is to provide an improved shearing machine of the self -propelled, truck mounted type wherein improved means are provided for moving and guiding the shear cutting mechanism relative to the truck during the cutting operation and for propelling the machine along the mine trackway during transport. Still another object is to provide an improved shearing machine oi the pivoted kerf cutter type having improved means for swinging the kerf cutter about its pivot and for feeding the kerf cutter relative to the coal during the cutting operation. Still another object is to provide an improved coal mining machine of the so-called swivel shearer type wherein the kerf cutting mechanism is mounted on a guiding frame swivelly supported by a wheeled truck and having associated therewith improved means for feeding the cutting mechanism relative to the guiding frame. These and other objects of the invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. l is a plan view of the illustrative em- 3 bodiment of the improved mining apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. l.

Fig, 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken subw stantally on line 6 6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. '7 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line '1 1 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 8 8 of Figs. 1 and 3.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional vievv taken substantially on line 9 9 of Figs. 1 and 3.

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on line lll-IIJ of Fig. 8.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there is shown a coal mining apparatus of the wheel mounted, shear cutter type adapted to operate while supported by a mine trackway and generally comprising a truck frame I mounted on wheels 2 adapted to run along a mine trackway 3. Suitably mounted on the truck frame for horizontal movement abo-ut a vertical axis is a guiding frame 4 having slidably guided thereon kerf cutting mechanism generally designated 5. Suspended from the forward end of the guiding frame 4 beneath the guideways thereon is a horizontal motor 6 for driving the various mechanisms of the apparatus, and this motor is so arranged on the guiding frame that it substantially counterbalances the weight of the kerf cutting mechanism when the latter is in its rearmost position as shown in Fig. 2. The guiding Aframe 4 is adapted to be swiveled into diierent angular positions relative to the truck frame, and the keri cutting mechanism is guided for movement longitudinally of the guiding frame during the cutting operation as hereinafter described. Ii desired jacks may be associated with the guiding frame 4 to guard against tilting tendencies, but in practice the slack produced and the support of the bar by the coal render jacks unnecessary.

Now referring to the guiding frame 4 and its swivel mounting on the truck frame, it will herein be noted that supported on the forward end of the truck frame directly above the front truck wheel axle is a swivel frame I having secured thereto beneath the same an annular frame or swivel bearing 8 carrying series of horizontal and vertical rollers 9 and I0 journaled on pins Il carried by the frame 8, as shown in Fig. 3. The horizontal rollers 9 engage the inner periphery of an annular guide or bearing housing I2 herein formed integral with a bearing frame I3 to which the side angle members I4 of the truck frame are secured and in which the front truck wheel axle is journaled, the axle being indicated at I5. The vertical rollers III engage the bearing surface of an annular member I6 attached to the bearing frame I3 and forming a trackway for the rollers I D. The rollers I0 may also engage the lower surface of a detachable ring frame I1 secured to the bearing housing I2. These elements cooperate to form a horizontal turntable structure on which the guiding frame Il is mounted for horizontal swinging movement relative to the truck. As illustrated, rigidly attached to the swivel frame 'I at the outer sides thereof are angle members I8, VIS having attached to their upper flanges, guide plates I9, l 9. These angle members I8, I8 extend a substantial distance forwardly and rearwardly of the turntable structure with the rearwardly extending portions thereof overlying, when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2, the truck. The guiding frame t forms an elongated guideway or track for the kerf cutting mechanism 5 along which the latter moves during the cutting operation, and this kerf cutting mechanism includes a frame or sliding support 20 having plane surfaces 2l slidably engaging the guide plates I9, I9, and the slidable cu*- ting mechanism support is retained on the guiding frame by means of angle members 22, 22 attached to the sides of the sliding support 2E! and underlying the outer flanges of the guide plates I9, I9 in the manner shown. It will thus be seen that the structure described above forms a sliding support for the kerf cutting mechanism and is slidable longitudinally of the guiding frame 4 between the ends thereof, as hereinafter described. It will be evident that, if desired, suitable anti-friction rollers may be provided between the cutting mechanism support 2 and the guiding frame and that various other arrangements may be employed for swivelly supporting theguiding frame on the truck and for guiding the cutting mechanism on the guide frame.

Now referring to the improved kerf cutting mechanism per se and more particularly to the driving mechanism for the cutting mechanism, it will be observed that keyed to the forward end of the motor power shaft 23, which is herein horizontally and longitudinally disposed, is a spur pinion 2t meshing with an idler gear 25 mounted on a stub shaft '29 carried by the front motor head 2l, and this idler gear meshes with a spur gear 28 keyed to a splined shaft 29. The shaft 29 is horizontally disposed and extends longitudinally of the guiding frame r3 between the sides thereof, as shown in Fig. 6, and is journaled at its forward end Within the front motor head 2l and at its rear end within a bearing sleeve 39 carried by a frame or bracket attached to the rear end of the guidingV frame 3, as shown in Fig. 9. The shaft 29 is splined to and drives a hollow sleeve 3| through which the splined shaft extends, and this sleeve is suitably journaled within the sliding support 2i). Formed on the sleeve 3l is a Worm 32 meshing with a worm wheel 34. VAs shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the worm wheel 313 is provided with oppositely extending hub portions journaled within bearing sleeves 35, 36, the sleeve 36 being carried by a bracket 3l arranged within and secured to the sliding support 2li. Formed on one hub of the worm wheel 34 are clutchteeth 38 `which are connectible by a sliding clutch member 39 with clutch teeth 4G formed on a shaft 4I herein arranged with its axis alined with the Worm wheel axis and jcurnaled at its inner end within a bearing sleeve ilia positioned within the adjacent hub of the Worm wheel. Keyed to the outer end of the shaft 4I is a sprocket 42 which engages and drives, in a well known manner, a cutter bit carrying cutter chain 53 mounted on the margin of an elongated plane cutter bar 44 for circulation thereabout. As shown in Fig. l, the cutter bar dit is swingable in vertical planes at one side of the guiding frame d and is supported at its rear end by a cylindrical bar support 135 rotatably mounted within bearing sleeves 46, 47, the bearing sleeve lil being supported by a'bracket 48 secured to the sliding support 29 while the bearing sleeve I6 is positioned within a bore "i9 formed in the adjacent side wall of the sliding support Zf This cylindrical bar support 45 carries the bearing sleeve 35 within which the hub of the worm wheel 34 is journaled, and is herein made up of three complemental parts comprising a centrally located member 59 attached, as by screws 5I, to end members 52 and 53. The outer end of the shaft 4I, as shown in Fig. 3, is journaled within a bearing 55: carried by the outer member 52 of the rotatable bar mounting 45.

The improved mechanism for swinging the cutter bar vertically in its plane and for feeding the kerf cutting mechanism back and forth along the guiding frame l herein comprises, as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, a shaft 55 keyed, at 56, to the adjacent hub of the worm wheel 31%. .This shaft is journaled in bearings 5l and 58, the former being supported by the bearing bracket 37 while E the latter is carried by a detachable cover plate 59 attached to the adjacent side wall of the sliding support 20. Rotatably mounted on the shaft 55 and connectible thereto by a multiple disc n clutch 69 is a spur pinion 8i meshing at opposite sides thereof with spur gears 62 and 63 respectively keyed to parallel shafts 64 and 65 horizontally disposed and extending transversely of the sliding support 2. These shafts are journaled in bearings 69 and 6l carried by the bearing bracket 3l and detachable cover plate 59 respectively. Also rotatably mounted on the shaft 55 adjacent the opposite end thereof and connectible to the shaft by a multiple disc clutch 68 is a spur pinion 69 meshing with idler gears 'I0 and 'II (see Fig. 5) which in turn mesh with spur gears 'I2 and I3 keyed to the shafts 64 and 55 respectively. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 60 is applied and the clutch 68 is released, the shafts 66, 65 may be driven in one direction, and when the clutch B9 is released and the clutch 68 is applied, the shafts 6ft, 65 may be driven in the reverse direction. Suitably fixed to the shafts 64 and 65 respectively are worms itl and l5, the former having teeth of steeper inclination than the latter, these worms meshing respectively with Slow and fast speed worm wheels 'I6 and TI, as shown in Fig. 8. The worm wheels i6 and TI are connectible by multiple disc clutches 'I3 and 'I9 respectively to a hollow shaft B) herein arranged on a horizontal axis coincident With the worm wheel axes and extending longitudinally of and suitably journaled within the sliding support 2D, and the shaft 8f3 may be driven through the worm gearing at relatively high and low speeds. Journaled on the sliding support 2i) in axial alinement with and extending within and connectible to the shaft are relatively rotatable shafts 8! and 82. The shaft 8l herein constitutes the feed driving shaft While the shaft 82 is the bar swing driving shaft, and the connection between the shaft 32 and the cutter bar herein comprises a Worm 84 fixed to the shaft 82 and meshing` with a Worm wheel 85 (see also Fig. 4) keyed to a horizontal shaft 86 herein arranged transversely of andjournaled within the sliding support 20 and arranged at the rear of the bar pivot axis. Formed on the shaft 86 is a spur pinion 81 meshing with a gear segment 88 herein formed on the centrally located member of the cylindrical bar support 45. It will thus be seen that the cutter bar 44 may be swung either upwardly or downwardly in a vertical direction at either a slow cutting speed or a high positioning speed under the control of the reverse frictions 60, 68 and the speed control clutches 18 and 19. When the bar swing controlling frictions 18 and 19 are released and the shafts 8| and B2 are disconnected from the shaft 80, the cutter bar is automatically locked in position by the self-locking worm gearing 84, 85. The mechanism for selectively connecting the shafts 8| and 82 to the shaft 80 will be hereafter described.

N ow referring to the improved kerf cutter feeding mechanism, it will be observed that keyed to the shaft 8| is a spur gear 89 meshing, as shown in Fig. 10, with a spur gear 90 herein secured to a feed nut 9| suitably journaled within the sliding frame 20. This feed nut threadedly engages a non-rotatable feed screw 92 arranged parallel with the splined shaft 29 and likewise extending longitudinally of and suitably supported within the swiveled guiding frame 4. As shown in Fig. 6, the forward end of this feed screw 92 is supported within a detachable bracket 93 carried withinthe front motor head 21 and secured in position within the bracket bya nut connection 94. It will thus be seen that the kerf cutting mechanism may be fed at a slow cutting speed or a high positioning speed in either direction along the guiding frame 4 under the control of the reverse frictions 60, 68 and the speed control clutches 18 and 19. When the disc clutches 18 and 19 are released and the shafts 8| and 82 are disconnected from the shaft 80, the kerf cutting mechanism is automatically locked in position on the guiding frame by the self-locking threads of the coacting feed nut and screw.

The operating mechanism for the various clutches described above will now be described. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sliding clutch 39 is connected by a transverse pin 95 guided in a slot 96 in the shaft 4|, to an operating rod 91 extending centrally through the shaft and having at its outer end an operating handle 98. It will thus be seen that when the handle 98 is moved inwardly or outwardly, the sliding clutch 39 is moved into its connected or released position. The reverse frictions 60, 68 are operated by sliding collars 99, 99 with which cooperates a shipper member |00 pivotally mounted at |0| on the sliding frame 20 as shown in Figs. 3 and 8. Pivotally connected to the shipper |00, at |02, is a rod |03 threadedly connected at |04 to a rotatable nut |05. The nut |05 is provided with a suitable operating handle |06. The disc clutches 18, 19 are operated respectively by annular clutch applying members |01 with which cooperates a pivoted shipper yoke |08. This shipper yoke is swung about its pivot by an actuating sleeve |09 having attached thereto a suitable handle H0, as shown in Fig. 3. When the clutch shipper member |08 is moved in one direction, one friction clutch is applied, and when the shipper member is moved in the opposite direction, this is released and the other clutch is applied.

The mechanism for connecting the shafts 8| and 82 selectively to the shaft 80 herein comprises interlocking mechanisms and 2 respectively. These interlocking mechanisms are identical in construction and comprise, as shown in Figs. 3 and 8, radially located plungers 3 movable into interlocking engagement with grooves ||4 formed in the shafts 8|, 82. An annular member ||5 is provided for actuating the interlocking plungers and has cam surfaces ||6 engageable with corresponding inclined surfaces on the interlocking plungers. It will thus be seen that when the member ||5 is moved in one direction, the cam surfaces I6 thereon force one set of the plungers into interlocking engagement with the grooves on one of the shafts and at that time the other plungers are released. These interlocking mechanisms entirely release the shafts 8|, 82 from the friction clutches so that when the friction clutches are released, the drag rotation, which is always present, will not tend to effect undesired rotation of the shafts. It will thus be seen that the shafts 0| and 82 may be selectively connected to the shaft and may be driven by the latter at either high or low speeds. The operating means for the member ||5 comprises, as shown in Fig. 3, a pivoted shipper yoke ||1 supported by a shaft I8 carrying a handle ||9, it being noted that the shipper yoke |08 for the clutch control members |01 is swingably mounted on the shaft ||8 as shown.

Suitable spring means to facilitate withdrawal of the members and i2 and to hold them in disconnecting position may advantageously be used. The mechanism for' driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine trackway herein comprises a spur pinion |20 fixed to the rearward end of the motor shaft 23, as shown in Figs. 6 and '7, and meshing with a spur gear |2| which drives a spur gear |22 in turn meshing with a spur gear |23 keyed to a longitudinally extending shaft |24 housed within a sleeve and suitably journaled on the swiveled guiding frame 4, as shown in Fig. 6. Keyed to the shaft |24, at its rear end, is a worm |25 meshing with a worm wheel |26 keyed to a vertical shaft |21 arranged with its axis coincident with the swivel axis of the guiding frame 4, as shown in Fig. '7. Keyed to the lower end of the shaft |21 is a bevel pinion |28 meshing, as shown in Fig. 3, with reverse bevels |29, |30. These reverse bevels are selectively connectible to the front truck wheel axle I5 by multiple disc clutches |3|, |32 respectively. It will thus be seen that when the clutch |30 is applied, the apparatus may be fed along the mine trackway in one direction, and when this clutch is released and the clutch |32 is applied, the machine may be propelled along the mine trackway in the reverse direction. 'Ihe operating means for the friction clutches |3 32 includes a slidable clutch applying member |33 with which a pivoted shipper yoke |34 cooperates. The swinging means for the shipper yoke comprises, as shown in Fig. l, a longitudinally extending rod |35 having attached thereto, at its rearend, an operating lever |36 conveniently located at the rear end of the truck frame.

A truck wheel brake comprising a brake drum |31 is provided for braking the truck wheels, and this brake is operated through suitable operating connections including a pivoted brake lever |38. Mounted on the rear portion of the truck frame is a suitable electrical control apparatus |39 and a conductor cable reeling device |40. The cable reel is driven through a chain and sprocket connection |4| connected to the rear truck wheel axle, as shown in Fig. 2, under the control of a clutch |42 having a control handle |43.

The general mode of operation of the improved mining apparatus will now be briefly described. The apparatus is propelled about the-mine at a relatively fast transport speed through the gear connections |29, I2|, |22, and |23 and worm gearing |25, |26 under the control ofthe reverse frictions |3I, |32. When the working face is reached the friction clutch controlling the high speed truck drive is released and the truck wheel brake |31 is set, locking the truck wheels against rotation. If it is desired to insert a shear cut in the' coal directly in advance of the guiding frame 2 when the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the friction clutch 19 is applied and the interlocking mechanism |2 connected, and upon suitable application of the reverse frictions 60, 68, the cutter bar is swung upwardly to a position wherein its outer extremity is adjacent the mine roof at the face, the clutches and interlock thereafter being released. 'Ihe cutter bar is automatically maintained in its adjusted position by the self-locking worm gearing 84, 85. 'Ihe operator then actuates the handle 98 to connect the cutter chain clutch 39, thereby connecting the cutter chain in driving relation with the motor, and as a result the cutter chain 43 is rapidly circulated about the margin of the cutter bar 44. The friction clutch 'I8 is then applied and the interlock connected, and upon suitable application of the reverse frictions 60, 68, the feed nut 9| is rotated relative to the stationary feed screw 92, and as a result the kerf cutting mechanism is fed at a slow cutting speed bodily along the relatively stationary guiding frame 4, sumping the cutter bar within the coal. Upon completion of the sumping cut the friction clutch 18 and interlock are released and the interlock ||2 connected, and upon application of theV friction clutch 18 and the proper reverse frictions BU, 68, the cutter bar is swung downwardly in its plane at a slow cutting speed to effect its vertical swinging cut, the clutch and interlock thereafter being released. The clutch 18 and interlock ||I are then again connected, and upon application of the proper reverse friction the cutting mechanism is fed bodily rearwardly along the stationary guiding frame 4 at a slow cutting speed, withdrawing the cutter bar from the coal. Upon completion of the withdrawal cut the barv swing is reversed and the cutter bar swung upwardly into its transport position shown in Fig. 2. The truck wheel brake is then released and upon proper application of the truck drive controlling frictions ISI, |32 the apparatus is propelled bodily rearwardly along the mine trackway away from the coal face at a transport speed. If it is desired to insert a shear cut at various angles relative to the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, this may be accomplished simply by swinging the swiveled frame 4 relative to the truck frame to bring the cutter bar into the desired angular position. For instance, the guiding frame 4 may be swung into a position at right angles to the trackway, and when so positioned the cutter bar may be swung upwardly, fed rectilinearly to effect its sumping cut, swung downwardly in its plane, and thereafter fed rectilinearly rearwardly to effect its withdrawal cut in the manner described above. It will be noted that during any of aforesaid operations the cutter bar may be swung and the cutting mechanism may be fed in either direction at either a high or a. low speed under the control of the speed control clutches 13 and 19 and the interlocking mechanisms III, ||2. These and other operations and advantages of the improved mining apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there is in this application specifically described one form which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the invention is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modied and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guiding frame swiveled on said base, kerf cutting mechanism supported on said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a pivoted kerf cutter swingable relative to said frame, a motor supported on the forward end of said guiding'frame in advance of said base and relative to which said kerf cutting mechanism is movable, the frame guideway extending rearwardly of said motor and overlying said base, and driving connections between said motor and said kerf cutting mechanism.

2. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guiding frame swiveled about a vertical axis on said base, kerf cutting mechanism supported on said guiding frame for rectilinear movement along the length thereof and including a pivoted kerf cutter swingable relative to said frame, a motor supported on said guiding frame out of the path of movement of said kerf cutting mechanism and relative to which said kerf cutting mechanism is movable, driving connections between said motor and said kerf Acutting mechanism, and mechanism driven by said motor for propelling the apparatus.

3. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guiding frame having a swivel mounting at the forward end of said base, the rearward portion of said guiding frame overlying the base and the forward portion thereof extending a substantial distance in advance of the base, kerf cutting mechanism guided on said frame for movement therealong, and a motor supported on the forwardly extending portion of said guiding frame for driving the kerf cutting mechanism.

4. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guiding frame swiveled on said base, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said guiding frame for movement therealong, a motor suspended beneath said guiding frame and stationary as regards movement relative to said frame, and mechanism driven by said mo-tor for driving said kerf cutting mechanism.

5. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a Vguiding frame on said base and having a longitudinal guideway, a motor on the forward end of said guiding frame stationary as regards movement relative thereto, said guideway extending rearwardly with respect to said motor, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on the guideway of said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a pivoted kerf cutter swingable relative to said frame, and devices driven by said motor for feeding said kerf cutting mechanism relative to said guiding frame.

6. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a guiding frame on said base and having its forward extremity overhanging the forward end of said base and its rearward portion overlying said base, a motor on the forward overhanging end of said guiding frame stationary as regards movement relative thereto, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a pivoted kerf cutter swingable relative to said frame, devices driven by said motor for driving said kerf cutting mechanism, and devices driven by said motor for feeding sai-d kerf cutting mechanism relative to said guiding frame.

7. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a guiding frame on said base and having a longitudinal guideway, a motor on the forward end of said guiding frame stationary as regards movement relative thereto, said guideway extending rearwardly with respect to said motor, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on the guideway of said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a swingable kerf cutter, and devices driven by said motor for driving said cutting mechanism and for swinging said kerf cutter.

8. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a guiding frame on said base and having its forward extremity overhanging the forward end of said base and its rearward portion overlying said base, a motor on the forward overhanging end of said guiding frame stationary as regards movement relative thereto, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a swingable kerf cutter, devices -driven by said motor for driving said cutting mechanism and for swinging said kerf cutter, and devices driven by said motor for feeding said cutting mechanism relative to said guiding frame.

9. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a guiding frame on said base having a longitudinal guideway, a motor on the forward end of said guiding frame between the ends of the latter and below the top surface of said guideway, said motor being stationary as regards movement relative to said frame, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said guiding frame for movement along the guideway thereof and including a swingable kerf cutter, devices driven by said motor for driving said cutting mechanism and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to the guiding frame, devices driven by said motor for feeding said cutting mechanism relative to said guiding frame, and devices driven by said motor for propelling the apparatus.

10. In a, mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guidingframe swiveled on said base and projecting forwardly in advance of said base, kerf cutting mechanism supported on said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a pivoted kerf cutter swingable relative to said frame, a motor supported on said guiding frame in advance of said base and relative to which said kerf cutting mechanism is movable, driving connections between said motor and said kerf cutting mechanism, and mechanism driven by said motor for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot relative to said guiding frame.

11. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guiding frame swiveled on said base and projecting forwardly in advance of said base, kerf cutting mechanism supported on said guiding frame for movement therealong and including a pivoted kerf cutter swingable relative to said frame, a motor supported on said guiding frame in advance of said base and relative to which said kerf cutting mechanism is movable, driving connections between said motor and said kerf cutting mechanism, mechanism driven by said motor for propelling the apparatus, and mechanism driven by said motor for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot relative to said guiding frame.

12. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, and mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter and for feeding said kerf cutter including coaxial relatively rotatable high and low speed gears, clutches coaxial with said gears controlling drive by said gears respectively, and clutches coaxial with said clutches for connecting either said swinging mechanism or said feeding mechanism in driving relation with said gears for drive by the latter.

13. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, and mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter and for feeding said kerf cutter at either a high or a low speed including coaxial relatively rotatable high and low speed gears, clutches controlling drive by said gears respectively, a kerf cutter swinging element and a relatively rotatable kerf cutter feeding element both coaxial with said gears, and clutches for connecting either said swinging mechanism element or said feeding mechanism element in driving relation with said gears for drive by the latter.

14. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, and mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter and for feeding said kerf cutter including coaxial relatively rotatable high and low speed gears, relatively rotatable shafts coaxial with said gears, connections between one of said shafts and said kerf cutter swinging mechanism, connections between the other of said shafts and said kerf cutter feeding mechanism, and interlocking clutch mechanism coaxial with said gears for connecting either shaft in driving relation with either gear for drive by the latter.

l5. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, and mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter in either of opposite directions about its pivot including a driving element arranged with its axis parallel to a line parallel with the cutter pivot axis, a shaft coaxial therewith and driven thereby, gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connecting said gears to said shaft, and driving connections between said gears respectively and said kerf cutter, one driving connection effecting kerf cutter swing in one direction and the other driving connection effecting kerf cutter swing in the opposite direction.

16. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, and mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter in either of opposite directions at either a relatively high speed or a relatively low speed including a driving element arranged with its axis parallel to a line parallel with the cutter pivot axis, a shaft coaxial therewith and driven thereby, gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connecting said gears to said shaft, a high speed swing-effecting driving connection between one of said last mentioned gears and said kerf cutter, and a low speed swing-effecting driving connection between the other of said last mentioned gears and said kerf cutter.

1'7. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter in either of opposite directions at either a relatively high or a relatively low speed including a driving element, a shaft coaxial therewith and driven thereby, gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connecting said gears to said shaft, connections driven by said gears respectively to effect drive in reverse directions, a highl speed driving connection, and a low speed driving connection, said high and low speed driving connections being driven in either of opposite directions through said first mentioned driving connections.

18. In a mining apparatus, a kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, mechanism for actuating said kerf cutter including a driving element alined with the kerf cutter pivot, and mechanism driven by said driving element including a shaft alined with said driving element, relatively rotatable gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connecting said gears to said shaft, parallel shafts, connections between one of said gears and said parallel shafts for driving said shafts in one direction, connections between the other of said gears and said parallel shafts for driving said shafts in the opposite direction, means for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot including a kerf cutter swinging element, means for feeding said kerf cutter including a kerf cutter feeding element, and driving connections between said parallel shafts and said kerf Cutter swinging and feeding elements.

19. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, mechanism for actuating said kerf cutter including a driving element alined with the kerf cutter pivot, and mechanism driven by said driving element for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot including a shaft alined with said driving element and driven thereby, relatively rotatable gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connect- :ing said gears to said shaft to effect driving thereof by said shaft, a shaft parallel with said shaft, a kerf cutter swinging element driven by said parallel shaft, connections driven by one of said gears for driving said parallel shaft in one direction, and connections driven by the other of said gears for driving said parallel shaft in the reverse direction.

20. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, mechanism for actuating said kerf cutter including a driving element alined with the kerf cutter pivot, and mechanism driven by said driving element for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot including a shaft coaxial with said driving element and driven thereby, a parallel shaft, a kerf cutter swinging element driven by said parallel shaft, a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train, clutch mechanism for connecting said gear trains in driving relation with said coaxial shaft to elfect driving thereof by said coaxial shaft, and driving connections between said gear trains and said parallel shaft.

21. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutting mechanism including a pivoted kerf cutter, mechanism for actuating said kerf cutter including a driving element alined with the kerf cutter pivot, and mechanism driven by said driving element for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot including a shaft coaxial with said driving element and driven thereby, relatively rotatable gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connecting said gears to said shaft, parallel shafts, driving connections between one of said gears and said parallel shafts for driving the latter in one direction, driving connections between the other of said gears and said parallel shafts for driving the latter in the opposite direction, a shaft parallel with said shafts, a kerf cutter swinging element driven by said last mentioned parallel shaft, and high and low speed driving connections between said firstV mentioned parallel shafts respectively and said last mentioned parallel shaft.

22. In a mining apparatus, kerf cutter feeding mechanism including a kerf cutter feeding ele- 5 ment, and driving means for said feeding element for driving the latter in either of opposite directions including a shaft, relatively rotatable gears coaxial with said shaft, clutches for selectively connecting said gears to said shaft, a pair of parallel shafts, driving connections between one of said gears and said parallel shafts for driving the latter in one direction, driving connections between the other of said gears and said parallel shafts for driving the latter in the I5 opposite direction, and driving connections between said parallel shafts and said feeding element.

23. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal guiding frame swivelly mounted on said base for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto, the rearward portion of said guiding frame overlying the base and the forward portion thereof extending a substantial distance in advance of the base, kerf cutting mechanism 2 guided on said frame for movement therealong, and a motor supported on the forwardly extending portion of said guiding frame for driving the kerf cutting mechanism, said kerf cutting mechanism movable relative to said motor and said 30: motor being so arranged on said guiding frame as to substantially counter-balance the Weight of the cutting mechanism when the latter is in its rearward position on said guiding frame.

24. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a 35? horizontal guiding frame swiveled on said base for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto, kerf cutting mechanism mounted on said guiding frame for movement therealong, a motor supported beneath said guiding frame and sta- 40 tionary as regards movement relative to said frame, and mechanism driven by said motor for driving said kerf cutting mechanism, said kerf cutting mechanism overlying said motor in one position on said guiding frame.

25. A mining apparatus, a frame, a kerf cutter thereon, and means for feeding the frame to effect feeding movement of the kerf cutter including a feed operating member and motor operated mechanism for driving said member at either of two relatively different predetermined speeds and in either direction at either speed including reversing gearing including relatively rotatable shafts disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of said frame, a horizontal shaft disposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame and operatively connected to said feed operating member, and fast and slow speed gearing between said reversing gearing and said longitudinally extending shaft.

26. A mining apparatus, a frame, a kerf cutter mounted thereon for swinging movement relative thereto, and means for feeding the frame to effect feeding movement of the kerf cutter including a feed operating member, motor operated G5 mechanism for driving said member at either of two relatively different predetermined speeds and in either direction at either speed including reversing gearing including relatively rotatable shafts disposed on horizontal axes extending 70 transversely of said frame, a horizontal shaft disposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame and operatively connected to said feed operating member, and fast and slow Y, speed gearing between said reversing gearing 'and said longitudinally extending shaft, and mechanism including a shaft coaxial with said longitudinally extending shaft and driven through said fast and slow speed gearing for swinging said kerf cutter.

27. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted thereon, means for feeding said frame, and motor operated mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter and for driving said feeding means including coaxally arranged relatively rotatable elements, one connected to the feeding means and the other to the kerf cutter swinging mechanism, fast and slow speed gearing for driving said elements, and clutch mechanisms for connecting either driving element in driving relation with said gearing.

28. In a mining apparatus, a frame, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted thereon, means for feeding said frame, and motor operated mechanism for swinging said kerf cutter and for driving said feeding means including alined relatively rotatable shafts one operatively connected to said feeding means and the other operatively connected to the mechanism for swinging the kerf cutter, fast and slow speed driving mechanism including relatively rotatable fast and slow speed gears coaxial with said shafts, and clutch mechanism for connecting either gear in driving relation with either shaft.

MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

